Pentagon’s Hegseth Under Fire Over Leaked Yemen Military Chat
The Pentagon faces scrutiny as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is questioned about sensitive information shared in a group chat regarding U.S. strikes on Yemen. Despite assertions from the Trump administration that no classified details were exchanged, critics demand accountability for the alleged breach. Investigations are anticipated to clarify communication protocols and national security issues.
The Pentagon is currently under scrutiny as senior intelligence officials seek clarification from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding sensitive information shared in a group chat pertaining to upcoming U.S. strikes on Yemen. This controversy follows a report by Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, indicating that Hegseth provided specific war plans and details regarding targets via an encrypted messaging application shortly before the military action commenced on March 15.
Despite the revelations, Trump’s administration maintains that no classified information was disseminated within the chat, a claim that has led to confusion and concern among Democrats and former officials. They argue that such targeting data is typically regarded as highly sensitive ahead of military engagements. President Trump expressed his understanding that classified information was not shared, asserting, “There was no classified information, as I understand it.”
Both Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe echoed this sentiment, attributing the determination of classified information to Hegseth’s discretion as the Secretary of Defense. While Gabbard deferred to Hegseth’s authority on the matter, concerns lingered regarding the classification of details related to the timing and sequencing of the strikes against the Houthis.
In response to the allegations, Hegseth has refuted claims of sharing war plans, stating, “Nobody was texting war plans, and that’s all I have to say about that.” However, Goldberg countered this assertion in a CNN interview, accusing Hegseth of dishonesty: “No, that’s a lie. He was texting war plans.”
National security protocols mandate the use of secure communication systems for confidential information. Ratcliffe clarified that the Signal chat was intended for unclassified coordination, stating that it was not meant to replace the standard classified communication channels. A U.S. official noted that Hegseth could potentially declassify information informally, but concerns were raised about the legitimacy of unilateral declassification.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that the Senate Armed Services Committee would investigate the issue, acknowledging that mistakes had occurred. Moreover, Representative Don Bacon called for Hegseth to accept accountability for the alleged breach, emphasizing the potential risks to personnel involved: “They ought to just be honest and own up to it.”
The ongoing situation surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth involves allegations of sensitive military information being improperly shared in an official group chat. While the Trump administration asserts the information was not classified, critical voices from both parties urge accountability and a thorough investigation to prevent future breaches. The controversy raises essential questions about communication protocols and national security within the Defense Department.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
